The situation in Yemen continued to escalate on January 2. The Yemeni government launched a military operation against the Southern Transitional Council in the eastern province of Hadramaut, with the support of Saudi warplanes. The two sides exchanged fierce fire in many parts of the province. The Southern Transitional Council then announced the start of a two-year transition period and issued a “constitutional declaration.” On the same day, Chairman Alimi of the Yemeni President appointed Hadramaou Governor Salim Hambashi as the general commander of the “National Shield” force. Hambashi later announced on national television that the Yemeni government has launched a military operation against the Southern Transitional Council in the province. Hambashi said the operation was aimed at recovering military facilities in Hadramaut province and maintaining security and stability. He stressed that this is a “peace operation” and should not be viewed as a “war” or an attempt to escalate the situation, but rather as a “preventive security measure.” He said that many previous attempts to ease the tension through dialogue had failed.

The situation in Yemen continued to escalate on January 2. The Yemeni government launched a military operation against the Southern Transitional Council in the eastern province of Hadramaut, with the support of Saudi warplanes. The two sides exchanged fierce fire in many parts of the province. The Southern Transitional Council then announced the start of a two-year transition period and issued a “constitutional declaration.” On the same day, Chairman Alimi of the Yemeni President appointed Hadramaou Governor Salim Hambashi as the general commander of the “National Shield” force. Hambashi later announced on national television that the Yemeni government has launched a military operation against the Southern Transitional Council in the province. Hambashi said the operation was aimed at recovering military facilities in Hadramaut province and maintaining security and stability. He stressed that this is a “peace operation” and should not be viewed as a “war” or an attempt to escalate the situation, but rather as a “preventive security measure.” He said that many previous attempts to ease the tension through dialogue had failed.